Astern gets all clear, Impending confirmed for Guineas

Godolphin’s star Australian colt Astern will be back in action in the G2 Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick next Saturday and is on track for a Melbourne campaign later in the Spring.

An elevated temperature led to Astern missing the G1 Caulfield Guineas, but trainer John O’Shea reports that the colt he regards as the “best I’ve ever trained” returned to full work last week and would be in peak condition when he resumes his campaign.

“He has fully recovered and returned to normal training at Osborne Park late last week,” O’Shea said.

“His next run will be in the Roman Consul and we’ll confirm his Melbourne plans after that."

“I’d like to give him a look at the straight track at Flemington, but there are a few options to consider.”

The Melbourne possibilities include the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes for three-year-olds at Flemington on October 29 or the G1 Darley Classic against open company at the same track on November 5.

While Astern will demonstrate his sprinting prowess in the Roman Consul, the stable’s in-form middle-distance performer Hartnell will run, as planned, in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington the following day.

“He’s settled in well since arriving in Melbourne last week and it’s full-steam ahead for the Turnbull,” O’Shea said.

A decision on the remainder of Hartnell’s campaign will be made following his Turnbull run, with Melbourne’s premier G1 treble of the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup among the choices to be considered.

Meanwhile, the disappointment that accompanied Astern’s defection from the G1 Caulfield Guineas has eased somewhat thanks to the resounding win of Impending in the G2 Stan Fox Stake at Randwick yesterday.

O’Shea confirmed that Impending will run in the Guineas on October 8.

“He’s come through Saturday’s run very well,” he said.

“We have always thought very highly of this horse. We were adamant that he would be at his best for this race and his next and he’s rewarded our faith in him.”

Impending fulfilled all the promise he had shown in his placings behind Astern at his previous two starts, forcing his way into the clear and running down some high-class opposition in the Stan Fox.

As well as Astern to look forward to at Randwick next Saturday, the Godolphin team is also eagerly anticipating the appearance of Hauraki in the G1 Epsom Handicap.

Another who has returned in sparkling form this Spring, Hauraki recorded his fifth G1 second placing when runner-up to Winx in the George Main Stakes at Randwick on September 17.

“It looks a nice race for him and we’re more than happy that he goes into the Epsom with a good chance,” O’Shea said.